Let's
get something straight: The Simpsons: Hit & Run is GTA with, well, the Simpsons, a licensed
property.
Licensed games that try to emulate a very specific franchise or genre don't have a really
great track record, let alone Simpsons games before and since.
So it's even more remarkable that Hit & Run actually turns out to be a fairly enjoyable
game, especially for fans of the inhabitants of Springfield.
Hit & Run may just be considered a GTA clone, and that's because it kind of is.
But really, it's a GTA clone disguised as a GTA parody; a very convincing and ultimately
fun parody.
Hit & Run borrows many elements from the open world hit, but the game is different beyond
its coat of paint.
First of all, Hit & Run doesn't have much of an emphasis on combat.
Oh sure, you can destroy cars, run over people, and instigate police chases, but there aren't
any guns or weapons to speak of, beyond each playable character's feet.
Missions mostly focus on racing, destroying, or tailing other cars.
In fact, almost every mission is timed, requiring you to find the fastest car for the job.
Outside of the main story missions, the game doesn't provide a whole lot of guided things
to do; that is to say, there aren't many side missions.
There are races to compete in, and Springfield citizens to help, but for the most part, the
game places a focus on collectibles.
Coins can be accrued for spending on cars or costumes, but there are also trading cards
to be found and mysterious bee cameras to destroy.
And all of this is done in an incredible recreation of Springfield, in all its amalgamated glory.
The game is split into levels; each one puts a different character in your control and
part of Springfield.
So the game's not a persistent open world, but it's clear to see that each level, from
Evergreen Terrace to the Springfield Waterfront, was painstakingly detailed and pieced together
from the show.
And what would The Simpsons be without their giant cast of supporting characters?
Almost every recurring character appears in this game in some form; only Sideshow Bob
and Mel come to mind as prominently missing characters, and even then, they're not that
prominent.
So the Simpsons writers did a good job of making Hit & Run a loyal adaptation of the
show because also yes the game was written by the actual Simpsons writers.
And the characters are voiced by the actual voice actors.
That alone puts Hit & Run quite a few notches above your typical licensed game, even if
the initially charming and funny jokes and one-liners become tired and annoying after
being looped throughout the game.
And even if the original plot is strangely structured and inherently unfunny.
But the effort is appreciated!
In the end, however, effort does not a good game make.
Thankfully, The Simpsons: Hit & Run is a good game regardless.
Some of the nostalgia and appreciation for the show might be nudging
that inclination, but that's kind of the point of the game.
It's fully enjoyed with an understanding and fandom of the show's in-jokes, characters,
and setting, but that doesn't mean the game's not enjoyable all on its own.
The missions certainly become repetitive, but searching for collectibles and exploring
Springfield is interesting.
And really, driving is just...fun.
Now what Simpsons reference should I use to close this review?
D'oh is too obvious, but I can't just quote a specific episode, because there's too much
context surrounding that and I need a quick one-line and...